Voltage regulator and method of regulating voltage

1. A voltage regulator for an alternating current source used for powering operating features of a model train, comprising:

a load control unit having an output configured to be coupled to a model train operating feature, said load control unit being responsive to a load control signal for controlling the delivery of current to the operating feature during at least a portion of an alternating current waveform;

a feedback unit coupled to said output of said load control unit and configured to produce a feedback signal indicative of a voltage level of said alternating current source applied at said output;

a controller adapted to receive an input command pertaining to the operating feature, the controller being responsive to said feedback signal and configured to generate said load control signal such that said voltage level substantially corresponds to a predetermined reference voltage level; and

a zero-cross detection unit operatively connected between said system power source and said controller, wherein said zero-cross detection unit is configured to detect a zero crossing of said alternating current waveform;

wherein said controller is configured to use said detected zero-crossing to control activation timing of said load control signal and to synchronize said load control signal with the input command.

2. The voltage regulator of claim 1 , wherein said controller is configured to receive a user input signal defining said reference voltage level.

3. The voltage regulator of claim 1 , wherein said controller includes a comparator configured to compare the feedback signal with said predetermined reference voltage level and to alter said load control signal accordingly.

4. The voltage regulator of claim 1 , wherein said controller comprises a microprocessor.

5. The voltage regulator of claim 1 , further comprising a system power source operatively connected to said load control unit and said controller.

6. The voltage regulator of claim 1 , further comprising a reset unit operatively connected to said controller.

7. The voltage regulator of claim 1 , wherein said load control unit includes a bi-directional switching device having one terminal operatively connected to a system power source, a second terminal operatively connected to said output of said controller, and a third terminal operatively connected to said operating feature.

8. The voltage regulator of claim 7 , wherein said switching device comprises a triac.

9. The voltage regulator of claim 7 , wherein said load control signal is operative to control a phase-conduction angle of said bi-directional switching device.

10. The voltage regulator of claim 1 , wherein said controller is configured to determine a timing signal of said alternating current waveform from said detected zero crossing, said controller thereby controlling activation timing of said load control signal using said timing signal.

11. The voltage regulator of claim 1 , wherein said controller is configured to provide proportional-integral (PI) control of said load.

12. The voltage regulator of claim 5 , further comprising a power supply configured to generate a predetermined supply voltage rectified from said system power source.

13. The voltage regulator of claim 12 , wherein said power supply is operatively connected to said controller to provide said supply voltage to said controller.

14. The voltage regulator of claim 12 , further comprising a protection circuit operatively connected between said power supply and said controller to maintain said supply voltage at a constant level.

15. The voltage regulator of claim 1 , wherein said feedback signal corresponds to an average voltage level of said alternating current source.

16. The voltage regulator of claim 1 , wherein said feedback signal corresponds to a root-mean-squared voltage level of said alternating current source.